Description

Supporting families in their diversity of form and need is a priority in most nations and requires a skilled and highly educated workforce capable of working with complex issues in varied cultural, social and political contexts.The Master of Family Studies (MFamStud) provides students with comprehensive multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills to undertake policy development and service delivery directed towards strengthening families. The programs cater to the needs of people transitioning from a generalist degree into professional roles, those already working as practitioners and/or managers in family services, or those looking to build careers in policy or practice in the field of Family Studies. Throughout the program, students will be provided with several opportunities to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills required for successful professional roles in this field. Students have the option of an industry based project that provides a pathway into the international and domestic family services sector. Students will also have an opportunity to develop an understanding of research methodologies as they apply to practice fields related to Family Studies.

Why study with us?

The Master of Family Studies draws on the research and practice expertise of the University’s internationally renowned Family Action Centre, Discipline of Family Studies, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine. As a Centre engaged in the provision of family programs, research and policy advocacy, the Family Action Centre is well positioned to provide theoretical and practical education that will equip graduates for leading roles in family work positions or for the application of Family Studies in other professional roles in fields where understandings of families are important. The School of Health Sciences is one of the most comprehensive tertiary education providers for the health professions. The University of Newcastle is one of the leading suppliers of online postgraduate coursework in Australia, providing student-focussed support and online assistance to more than 3,000 students from over 60 countries.

Study a Language

All domestic students can now enrol in an undergraduate Diploma in Languages alongside their main degree program. This diploma will enhance proficiency in another language or languages, and will increase international career opportunities. Subject to course availability, this additional program will generally add an extra year to studies, and students will graduate with a Diploma in Languages as well as their other degree. Please note that all language courses are held on campus (face to face) at Callaghan.

International students cannot enrol concurrently in the Diploma in Languages alongside their primary program unless they can complete both programs within the duration of their primary program CoE. For more information please contact the ESOS Student Compliance Unit ESOS@newcastle.edu.au.

Admission Requirements

Level 6 applicant ¿ Advanced Diploma (including Hospital Trained Nurses) o Studies completed in a cognate area: must demonstrate a minimum of 3 years¿ experience through the provision of a CV and statement of service o Studies completed in a non-cognate area: must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years¿ experience through the provision of a CV and statement of service Level 7 applicant ¿ Bachelor degree in a cognate area ¿ Bachelor degree in a non-cognate area: must demonstrate a minimum of one year experience through the provision of a CV and statement of service Level 8 applicant ¿ Bachelor Honours degree ¿ Bachelor degree plus a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma ¿ Bachelor Medicine/ MBBS Cognate areas include, but are not limited to: Counselling Psychotherapy Psychology Social Work Medicine Nursing Allied Health Applied Science Law Social Science To gain entry into the Intensive Family Practice specialisation, a candidate must have: An undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent. OR An accredited qualification in counselling at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level OR Previous experience in a family counselling environment in a job role involving the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, the exercise of independent judgement and decision making, and a range of technical skills.

Credit Transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

Students eligible to articulate from the Grad Cert in Family Studies to the Master of Family Studies will be awarded 40 units of internal credit towards either the 80 unit or 120 unit program.

International Students

International students can only study this program online offshore. Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis. Strategies for program-specific online student support will be developed in consultation with participating students.

Special Needs

The University policy on Students with Special Needs is implemented at all times. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through The Wollotuka Institute.

Requirements and Structure

The Master of Family Studies consists of 120 units for AQF level 7 admission or 80 units for AQF level 8 admission. Program requirements vary according to specialisation you select:1. General Family Studies: *20 units of Core courses; plus*30 units of Compulsory courses from the General Family Studies stream; plus*30 units of courses from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List for AQF level 8 admissions OR 70 units courses from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List for AQF level 7 admissions.2. Intensive Family Practice specialisation: *20 units of Core courses; plus*40 units of Compulsory courses from the Intensive Family Practice specialisation; plus*20 units of courses from the Intensive Family Practice specialisation Directed Courses List for AQF level 8 admissions; OR at least 20 units of courses from the Intensive Family Practice specialisation Directed Courses List AND no more than 40 units from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List for AQF level 7 admissions (for a total of 60 units of directed courses for AQF level 7 admissions).3. International Family Studies: *20 units of Core courses; plus*60 units of Compulsory courses from the International Family Studies specialisation.*Students admitted to the program on the basis of an AQF level 7 qualification will also need to complete 40 units of courses from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List.4. Working with Men and Fathers:*20 units of Core courses; plus*40 units of Compulsory courses from the Working with Men and Fathers specialisation; plus*20 units of courses from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List for AQF level 8 admissions OR 60 units courses from the Master of Family Studies Directed Courses List for AQF level 7 admissions.Do not select courses from the Directed List if you have already undertaken them as part of your compulsory courses

Course Information

Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.